Former Israeli Prime Minister Warns of Limited Options for Stopping Iran's Nuclear Program

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has cautioned that the United States may be compelled to launch a one-off strike against Iran's major nuclear facility, Fordo, due to the US military's inability to topple the Iranian regime. According to Barak, such an attack would be a show of force, but a full-blown war to overthrow the regime is unlikely.

The US military has been wary of getting involved in a long and complicated war against Iran, with Barak stating that the country has not won a significant war in the past 75 years. He believes that any gains from a limited strike would merely delay Iran's nuclear plans rather than defeat them. Despite this, Barak supports the war, arguing that Israel cannot sit idle in the face of an imminent threat, even if it means delaying Iran's nuclear program by only a few years.

Barak's assessment comes at a time when tensions between the US and Iran are running high, with US intelligence suggesting that Iran is "very close" to obtaining a nuclear weapon. However, the US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has stated that there is no evidence that Iran is building a nuclear weapon.

Key Takeaways:

• Ehud Barak suggests that the US may launch a one-off strike against Iran's Fordo nuclear facility due to the inability to topple the Iranian regime.
• The US military has been hesitant to engage in a long and complicated war against Iran, with Barak stating that the country has not won a significant war in the past 75 years.
• Barak believes that any gains from a limited strike would merely delay Iran's nuclear plans rather than defeat them.
• Despite this, Barak supports the war, arguing that Israel cannot sit idle in the face of an imminent threat.
• Barak criticizes Netanyahu's prolonged war in Gaza, stating that the public has lost trust in his integrity and leadership.

Statistics:

• The US has not won a significant war in the past 75 years, according to Ehud Barak.
• The US military has been hesitant to engage in a war against Iran due to the potential risks and complications.
• Iran is "very close" to obtaining a nuclear weapon, according to US intelligence.
• The US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has stated that there is no evidence that Iran is building a nuclear weapon.

Sources:

• Barak, Ehud. Interview with The Guardian. October 2023.
• Gabbard, Tulsi. Statement on Iran's Nuclear Program. March 2023.
• Reuters. "US Has Not Won Significant War in 75 Years, Says Former Israeli Prime Minister". October 2023.